Ready for fall

This is Kitty's Flutter Friends from High Hopes, with a Paper Pretties sentiment.  The BG paper is Basic Grey, and I used a couple of BG scraps for the butterfly and tiny circle punches.  The sentiment is edged with scissors, and I used Nesties for the circles.
Sketch:  http://adieforasketch.blogspot.de/
Dies/punches:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Fall:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
Wings:  http://www.craftybloggersnetwork.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge
Any:  http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/stamp-challenge.html

Journey in Time

I see so many great vintage style cards - I need to practice a lot to emulate them.  This one uses Tim Holtz' Enjoy the Journey.  The embossed argyle is also sponged with chalk.  I added strips of Shape n Tape.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Chalk :http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Simon Says product (Tim Holtz set, Nesties ovals):   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Use black:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

First Communion

This is for the First Communion of a neighbor's grandson - a very special day.  I hope I have made a special card, though I did not have a lot of time.  Since it is for a boy I kept frills to a minimum.  The pattern papers are from a pad called Faith by the Paper Studio - I am getting a lot of use from the papers.  The burgundy bg has the 23rd Psalm, repeated - more visible IRL.  The focal sentiment is from Unity (Faith).  The other sentiment has a label called Mostly Animals - not sure what that means!  I added Spellbinder leaves and a tiny punch.  The card is 4.5 x 6.25.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Inspired by the crosses:  http://www.theunitystampco-challenge.blogspot.com/
Autumn colors:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/

Black,, white and yellow

I need a lot of cards right now, and this was a fairly quick one to make.  I used my neglected Spellbinder corner dies, and stamped the greeting directly on the yellow DP.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Black,,white and a color:  http://hobbycutzchallenges.blogspot.com/
Winged things::  http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/
Birthday: http://www.tammyscrapincorner.com/
Using Simon product (Nesties):   http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Christmas 2013

I am still hoping some one will suggest how to do the faces of the shepherds!
Supplies:  Stampendous stamps, Studio G sentiment, Faith papers by Paper Studio, $1 star punch, Cuttlebug frame EF, Cheery Lynn branch die - purchased at Joan's Gardens.
The challenge at Joan's Gardens is to include paper piecing.  She has a link to a video on piecing a die.  I did not have a suitable die, but tried to replicate the technique with this stamp.  You may not be able to see it, but the palm branches are two layers  - for a bit  of the second color and also more dimension. 
I did the same with the shepherd's crook.  For the tree, I cut a lighter green piece - sort of cutting outside the lines.  Then I stamped on a darker green, cutting inside the lines.  This gives a sense of a few lighter fronds - our palm trees have different shades of green.  I also pieced the shepherds robes - and decided to make it look light the one on the left is facing the other way.  For the MFP challenge I used a second stamp to do the sheep on the left - the Stampendous clear stamp set has 3 images and a sentiment.  I used 2 of the images.
CHALLENGES:
Sketch: http://seizethesketch.blogspot.com/
Recipe (1 die (branch), 2 images (see above), 3 colors (red, green, beige):
Recipe (piecing, red and green, item from her store): http://www.atjoansgardens.com/search?updated-max=2013-10-02T10:00:00-04:00

All pink and shiny

This image, from A Day for Daisies, is perfect for pink and feminine!  I used shiny gel pens for her dress - and I think she looks like she is dressed for school - maybe a party today?  I used a button die and added some AMuse pink and white twine.  The silver metallic rick rack came from a box at a yard sale - I got a lot of it for almost nothing!  The gems in the corner are pink.

Sketch, with school as the spin:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Pink and gems:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Buttons and/or bows, using their image  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2013

I still need a lot more cards!  I am also still looking for suggestions - I have not figured out the faces - I have colored what I think is the head dress wrapped around the face - but it seems to me the face is turned the wrong direction.  Any ideas?
Stamps by Stampendous; DP by Paper Studio; Prismas; Offray metallic ribbon
Sketch:  http://tsgclearstamps.blogspot.com/
The holly and the ivy:  http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.com/

CAS(E) sYMPATHY

This is another monochromatic sympathy card (see below), in grey.  The background is Stylized Flowers.
Sketch:  http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-09-19T08:00:00-04:00&max-results=4
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/\
Wings:  http://www.craftybloggersnetwork.blogspot.com/ 
No colored image:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

Monochromatic sympathy

We have been gone for a few days, and now I need to do a lot of catching up.  First of all I need sympathy cards for our son-in-law's family - his dad passed away.  I prefer fairly simple cards, and this sketch and theme were what I needed.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic:  http://lawnscaping.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://asimplefive.blogspot.com/search/label/Inspire%20Me%20Fridays
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Stylin' Chicks

These cute chicks are from a High Hopes stamp.  I used a lot of orange and purple (The bg solid is a dark purple).  Added ribbon and rhinestones.  The DP is by Daisy D.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Hats: 
Fall colors:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Purple and orange:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Ribbon and bow:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/

Carol's birthday

This is DP (Daisy D, I think) that I have been hoarding - waiting for that special occasion!  My sister is younger than I and would not recall the family farm home with no indoor plumbing - in use when I was young.  She will remember the dozens (probably hundreds) of chickens she raised, butchered and froze - though that was many years ago as well.
The image is from Beccy's Place.  She used it for a sample - it has lovely highlights that I was not able to duplicate - I tried chalk.  The bird and branches are Cheery Lynn dies from Joan's Gardens.
Sketch:  thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Trees:  http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any, with a Beccy's image:  :http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/september-challenge.html 
Vintage:  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Fall colors, trees, bird, leaves, her product: http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/09/this-weeks-challenge-big-prize.html

Sarah's Wedding

We have a wedding in the family in a few days.  Traditionally, I try to incorporate aspects of the invitation as I make the card.  This was more challenging, as Sarah is a bit untraditional!  The lace, brown ribbon, initials, and textured look of the bg as well as the colors are similar to the invitation.  I am not sure how it looks on your screen - mine does not really show the dark cream look of the bk.  I used the LifeStyle weaving EF for that.  Ironically, the G is for both last names!  The sentiment is Great Impressions.    The image came from a Wish RAK member so I do not know the source.  I selected it because she was such an accomplished horsewoman in her teens.  The card is 5x7.
Wedding:  http://acreativeneed.wordpress.com/
http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/
New beginnings:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Starting with "G":  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

Christmas - in fall colors

I am sure many of you have experienced this - there is a stamp set, or some dp, or other product - it looks great!  Then, when actually using it - you find it is very difficult to work with.  That is the case for me, with this DP stack.  It is called "Faith" by the Paper Studio.  It is not really Christmas paper, but I did purchase it for that purpose - as well as other.  So far, I have not found just the right deep burgundy to use for mats - but here, the light color does work. 
Enough of that.  Here re the details:  image - an unnamed cube.  The bird and bits of branches are Cheery Lynn dies, and the circles are from Spellbinders - all done on the Cuttlebug.
Sketch:  http://alotarubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Christmas is coming:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
First row of tic tac toe (pattern paper, dies and punches, autumn colors):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Anything:  http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/
Fall colors, leaves, trees, bird, Cheery Lynn dies from the shop:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/09/this-weeks-challenge-big-prize.html
Back to nature - using Cuttlebug:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/

All white texture

There are so many beautiful white on white cards - a format I need to practice more.
Supplies:  Cuttlibug, Sizzix embossing folders, Spellbinders circle, oval and rectangles; sheer ribbon; tear drop pearl, Cheery Lynn "Little things with Wings" butterfly, computer generated sentiment; glitter
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
 Wedding: http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
All white: http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/
Texture:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/
Embossing: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Summer Chickens

 


These chickens are so cute!  It seems to me they are enjoying the end of summer - dressed to the nines as well!  I used some scraps of dp, a tiny punch, vanilla half pearls, and Prismas.
Sketch:  http://designed2delight.com/blog/blogposts/
Oh My Chickens:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2013/09/challenge-118-oh-my-chickens-bird_11.html
WIngs:  http://www.craftybloggersnetwork.blogspot.com/
End of summer:  http://craftybootschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/stamp-challenge.html

Watering flowers

My week has not gone as planned - a few days ago the computer froze on me - would not thaw out, so that meant a trip to repairs!  They told me it had a couple of small infections - guess that is a step down from a virus LOL!
At any rate, here is one of the cards I worked on during that time.  The image is from my printed stash of digis - now I cannot locate it in my file so I do not have the artist's name.  Does anyone recognize it?  She is colored with some Prismas but also with shiny metallic pens - especially the boors, flowers and watering can.
Sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Spots and Stripes:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/
Birthday:  http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/
Gloss:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
From your garden:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/

Red and Black

This is a great digi from Beccy's Place.  I combined it with unknown red and black and white.  Added some ribbon. a die cut button and cord.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Ribbon:  http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Trees:  http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/
Red and black:  http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/september-challenge.html

Recount

I have a lot of friends who would relate to this one! 
Image, sentiment - Bugaboo; Color - Prismas; Button die, Twine, gems- Pizzazz Aplenty; Branch - Cheery Lynn; unknown DP.  I die cut the button then dry embossed for more texture.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Humorous masculine:  http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
No squares:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/page/2/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any:   http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.com/
 

Recess - back to school at the end of summer

U

I am pretty limited in my "school" images but this gal really looks like she is dressed for her classes. School starts so early in many places - summer and school kind of blend.   The Basic Grey "Hopscotch" DP reminds me of recess - I played a lot of hopscotch - over 65 years ago.  Does anyone still play it?  One of my "all star" items is the Cuttlebug - used here for the You folder.  Coloring image (A Day for Daisies digi) with gel pens and Prismas; ribbon, button, twin, flowers, gems added. 
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Bingo (button, flower, ribbon):  http://bunnyzoescrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/august-challenge-bingo.html
Use yellow:  http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
School:  http://loriboyd2.blogspot.com/
              http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
 End of Summer fun:  http://craftybootschallenges.blogspot.com/
For the kids:  http://pollycraftchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:  http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

Encouraging words

Here is another of the cards I am making for a gift.  The verse is from Verve.
Other supplies:  DP - Paper Pizazz, birds - Cheery Lynn, heart/flower - SandyLion, dies - Spellbinders; ribbon.
Sketch:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Hearts:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Encouragement:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Tender thoughts:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Any:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Lots of layers (SDC115) :  http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/

Cozy trees and snowflakes

I have not thanked the sponsors of challenges for a while - I have a special thank you to those who are providing Christmas challenges - I do need to get a better start!
Supplies:  Studio G image, SU sentiment, Basic Grey DP, Cuttlebug Snowflake EF, Cheery Lynn pine branches (from Joan's Gardens store); gold gel pen, edging scissors.
Sketch:  http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Christmas, with snowflakes:  http://createdwithlovechallenges.blogspot.com/
Snowflakes:  http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://www.creativecreationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas, with cozy colors (To me, ivory is warmer than white - combined with burgundy);  Christmas dp; snowflakes, trees, die from her store):  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/09/this-weeks-challenge.html

Black & White again

:

Once again - black and white!  I like this image as I feel it can be used for a card for my stash and be either masculine or feminine - what do you think?  I used scraps for the DP, a Beccy's Place image, and new ribbon by Hot off the Press - too heavy for a bow but great for this layout.  The sentiment is by Rubber Cafe.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Spots and stripes:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Nostalgic Black & White

This freebie image is from A Day for Daisies.  I selected a black and white setting for it, with a bit of color on the image.  Trends:  an old trend - Swiss Dots (Cuttlebug embossing folder) - I jumped on that trend early and have not looked back!  A new trend - Shape 'n Tape - this by Lifestyle crafts.  I recently got several sheets - I have not used it until today - I am sure I will use it a lot for strips like these - time will tell if I will make good use of the supply I acquired.  I also plan to use it for some delicate die cuts that are hard to glue.  I used pieces for the bg layers, and chalk pencils to color - with a bit of glitter pen for the leaves.
EDIT:  IRL her hat is grey and her face is flesh colored  - same as the hands- sorry this looks so bad on the screen!
Sketch:  http://www.jwscrapshack.blogspot.com/2013/08/ffc-15-its-sketch-time.html
Ruffles:  http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Trends:  http://useittuesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/

Fall Scene

I knew I wanted to use this embossing folder for the challenge at Joan's Gardens - it just took me all week to figure out how to include all the elements.  I think I did it!
Embossing folder - Sizzix;  orange, green, brown chalk; butterfly by Cheery Lynn (sold at Joan's store); green and white checked ribbon.  The embossed layer is matted on a lighter card base which does not really show.
Fall, butterfly, green, brown, white, checks:  http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/08/this-weeks-challenge_29.html
Chalk: http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
 Border (green ribbon):  http://blog.docerelashop.com/
Texture:  http://www.totallygorjuss.blogspot.com/
Nature - using Emb folder and butterfly die, on Cuttlebug:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/

Piano Teacher?

This is an Art Impressions image - I am sure she is a piano teacher - for the Sassy Studio Labor Day challenge.  She loves her talent!  The bg is a bit of the HB folder and some Paper Studio flowers.  I added glitter, lace and a Rain Drop.
Sketch:  http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Work/profession:  http://www.sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/2013_08_01_archive.html
Any:  http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/
          http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
People:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/2013/08/aipeoplebloghop.html

Teacher Thanks

CAS is always a stretch for me, but I try!  This has another feature I do not do well.  I wanted to use the apples from a piece of DP -  I did cut them and "hung" the apples on a twine branch.  There is a tiny bird resting on the branch - possibly waiting for a chance to take a bite of the apple.  (I just got a few of these birds in the mail today, from a friend at Wish RAK, on Splitcoaststampers.  Thank you, Jen.)  The tag and sentiment are Just Rite Fancy Tags, and are popped up on pop dots.  The bg is embossed with a Sizzix Tim Holtz EF - a tree trunk.  This would be a thank you for a teacher.
Sketch:  http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/justrite-friday-challenge/
With wings:  http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/
Kraft, with text:  http://www.cas-ualfridays.blogspot.com/
Ribbon (twine) and school:  http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com/
School:
CAS:  http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/2013/09/challenge-136-clean-and-simple.html
Back to school:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.co.uk/

More Scripture

I will be back in a moment to edit and add info.
DP:  Paper Pizazz, DCWV glitter; Scripture:  Word Art; Circles:  Spellbinders; unknown lace; Flowers: SandyLion; EF: Victoria (CB); unknown pearls.
Lace and pearls:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/ 
Uplifting Scripture:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Two backing papers:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/ 
Sentiment as focal point:   http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/

My help comes from the Lord

This is such an encouraging and supportive Scripture - from Verve.  This will be part of a series of cards I will give as a gift - our new pastor will have an open house and this should be a good housewarming gift.  The DP is Paper Studio.  I added some gold stickers from a sheet I have had a long time - there was a little embellishment opportunity and I took advantage!
Sketch:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/sketch-challenges/what-if-wednesday-sketch-challenge-a2113/
Stickers:  http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/
Encouraging:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Safari animals

For some time I have wanted to use this DP on a card.  This is a belated thank you to someone who hosted a dinner for a travel group - we are planning a trip to South Africa in a few weeks.  We do not expect to see blue elephants or purple giraffes, but we do expect to see a lot of animals.  After I had completed the card I realized I could have had a better fit of the bg paper had I cut it in two pieces.  I often struggle to use these larger bg pieces as the pattern usually does not quite fit the layout.  These papers are from a Debbie Mumm stack.
Sketch:  http://www.inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/
Animals:  http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Travel:  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.ladyanneschallenges.com/stamp-challenge.html

Back to School - not yet?

Here is another color combo that has been a recent favorite - rust and yellow.  The stamp is YNS - not sure he is ready for school today!  The faux buttons are die cuts - done with my Cuttleabug. This is to recognize a student who has done something special.
Sketch:  http://ynschallenges.blogspot.ca/
Masculine:  http://shoppingourstash.blogspot.com/
favorite colors:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
School:  http://stamp-n-doodle.blogspot.co.uk/
Congratulations:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Die Cuts:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/

Teal and burgundy

This has a bg of the Congratulations embossing folder - but I ended up eliminating more of it than I had planned - I hope you can see the word on the left panel.  Another challenge is to use my favorite color combo - I have so many it is a very hard challenge.  I did select burgundy and teal for today.  Marissa is colored with Prismas and metallic gel pens.  I used a variety of bg papers.  The teal cs, Prismas, and gems have been in my collection a long time.  The checked DP is brand new.
Sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Favorite color combo:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Gems with a High Hopes stamp:  http://highhhttp://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/opesstamps.blogspot.com/
Congratulations:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

CASing Karen L

The Kraft Journal challenge this week is, for me, an intimidating one - copy your favorite designer.  First of all, these designers are favorites because I cannot possibly create a card as they can.  Additionally, I have so many favorites - too many to copy, and how to choose?  Well, I took an easy way out.  I simply chose one of my favorites from the inspiration for this challenge.  I could easily have selected any of them - all do great work - as do DT members for other blogs.  This is not to diminish the work and inspiration of Karen Letchworth.  Her work is lovely, and her comments are so thoughtful and encouraging.
Selecting this card also gave me a chance to try what I would call a "shabby chic" style - though maybe that is not the best term for a masculine card.  I used this cute turtle and funny saying - from my Wish RAK stash, so I am not sure where it came from.  This Paper Studio dp has leaves - more masculine - in colors that work well with Kraft.  I used a Memory Box stamp on some kraft, and then used the same stamp to edge the image - though I used a bit more than I should have.  The turtle is colored with a chalk pencil  I added twine, washi tape, an arrow by Basic Grey, pine branches by Cheery Lynn, and another sentiment.
Whew!  I finished with plenty of time to get ready for church!
Copying Karen:  http://thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Office (twine, tag, tape):  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Funny masculine:  http://cardsformen.blogspot.com/
Tag:   http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

And - a favorite for 2013, using Kraft:  http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/